The military community uses a multitude and
variety of terms, phrases, and expressions in its vocabulary. This is
especially true in the Afghan theater of operations. Some terms, phases,
and words are formal in nature while others are derived from common usage.
This glossary is intended to assist those new to the Afghan theater or
others unfamiliar with terminology or slang used by those working or
serving in Afghanistan.

To search for the term, acronym or phraseclick on the first letter of the word below.

Kabubble. A term used by expats
who live and work in Kabul to describe that area of Kabul that is
relatively safe from the war and insurgent attacks. Or that used to be
safe.

Kabul.The capital of
Afghanistan.

Kabul Solidarity Programme (KSP).This program aims to provide basic services where construction
has taken place in unplanned areas and legally bring them into the
government's fold.

KACC. Kabul Area Control Center.

KAF. Kandahar Air Field located
just outside of Kandahar city in southern Afghanistan.

KAIA. Kabul International
Airport. The airport has a civilian terminal on one side of the airfield
and a military terminal on the other side of the airfield.

KAN. Kabul Attack Network.

Kandak. The Afghan word for
battalion. Depending on the type of kandak - there are about 500 to 800
men assigned.

Karshi Kandabad. Sometimes
referred to as "K2" - the initial location of
Task Force Dagger
and later the HQs of 10th Mountain Divison as well as SOTF North during
the early days of the Afghan War (2001-2002).

KAU. Kandahar Auxilliary Unit. A
militia group of Afghans with some loyalty to the government and more
loyalty to their sponsors.

KBCC. The Khyber Border
Coordination Center is located at the Torkham Gate area of the
Afghanistan-Pakistan border in eastern Nangarhar province. The KBCC is run
by the Afghan Border Police (ABP). The KBCC was established to conduct
coordination with Pakistani representatives. Liasion offiers from the ABP,
ANA, ANP, and other organizations work together to exchange information
and resolve border disputes.

KBR. Kellogg, Brown, and Root. A
large firm providing military support services in Iraq, Afghanistan and
around the world.

KCP. Kabul Capitol Police.

KDK. Abbreviation for kandak. See
kandak above.

KDZ. Konduz, located in northern
Afghanistan.

KG. Kabul Garrison.

Khan. Meaning ruler, an important
notable with a large following. In the Pashtun areas a kahna is the leader
of a tribe.

KLE. Key Leader Engagement. A
deliberate, planned and focused interaction with an Afghan key leader to
achieve a desired effect or outcome. The
term KLE came into such use that many ISAF personnel began calling any
meetings with Afghans a KLE.

Kletocracy. Look no further than
the Karzai regime. He stole his country blind.

KM. Kilometer.

KMTC. Kabul Military Training
Center - located north of Kabul on the Jalalabad road.

Kochi. (or Kuchi). A nomadic
tribe found in eastern and southern Afghanistan.

Koran Burnings. In February 2012
a group of U.S. Soldiers at Bagram Air Field burned some Korans in a waste
disposal area. Some Afghan base workers saw this and riots erupted across
the country. Read more on the
Koran burning at Bagram.

Korengal Valley. Located south of
the Pech River in the Pech District of Kunar Province in northeast
Afghanistan, the
Korengal Valley was nicknamed "The Valley of Death".

KPA. Kabul Police Academy.

KRCC-A. Kabul Regional
Contracting Center - Afghanistan.

KSAA. Knowledge, skills,
abilities, and attitudes of individuals on a training or advisor team. The
collection of KSAA of individuals adds to the collective ability of the
team.

KSF. Kandahar Strike Force. A
proxy force working with (for) a U.S. organization conducting surgical
strikes in Afghanistan in southern Afghanistan.

The definitions provided in this Afghan War
Glossary are from many different sources to include publications,
documents, and personal knowledge. In some instances, there are several
definitions or meanings to a word or phrase.

To suggest additional terms for the glossary or to
correct any inaccuracies or broken links send an email to
staff@afghanwarnews.info.
All external sites open up
in an new window.